Louisiana

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that Louisiana had a population of 4,625,470 in 2013, an increase of 23,000 people from its 2012 figure. The state had a nearly-equal gender distribution with 51.1% of residents consisting of females. Adults aged 65 and above made up 12.9% of the total population in 2012.

According to America’s Health Rankings by the United Health Foundation, Louisiana ranked 6th among states for the least health disparity among adults as determined by high school education. However, Louisiana landed in the 48th spot in the ranking for overall health quality. Over 1.2 million residents live with obesity, making it one of the most obese states. In addition to obesity, more than 1 million Louisiana residents lack physical activity.

The Center for Personal Assistance Services estimates that up to 189,000 adults in Louisiana will face difficulties in activities of daily living by 2020. Calculations indicate that this number may climb to 225,000 in 2030, including 131,000 affected senior citizens.

Cost of Care

Below are the average daily cost* of long-term care services in Louisiana.

City

Nursing Facility1

Assisted Living1

Adult Day Care2

Home Health Aide3

Baton Rouge

$155

$96

$70

$96

New Orleans

$178

$97

$78

$90

Shreveport

$154

$89

N/A

$90

Notes:

*Costs are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.1Daily average for a private room.2Based on five days of care per week.3Based on six hours of care per day, five days per week.

Insurance Options

On May 20, 2013, John Hancock introduced its web-based long-term care insurance marketing system called LTC Captivate in 36 compact states, including Louisiana.

Transamerica offers a newer LTCI product called TransCare III, which features an increased maximum daily benefit amount, a higher discount for couples, and riders. Individuals and some associations under certain conditions can benefit from TransCare III. Transamerica began selling this LTCI product to prospective policyholders in Lousiana on September 10, 2013. Two months later, TransCare III’s couples discount became officially available to domestic and civil union partners.

FlexCare, an insurance product by MedAmerica that covers long-term care, underwent changes in its discounts for spouses and preferred health. The discount changes took effect on October 28, 2013.

State Long-Term Care Programs

Nearly 700,000 Louisiana residents, amounting to 15% of the state’s population, received health benefits from the Medicare program in 2011. Almost 273,000 from these beneficiaries were enrollees of Medicare Advantage Drug Plans. The state’s Medicare Savings Program pays a portion of qualified citizens’ expenses with the government program, such as $35 for monthly premiums.

The Medicaid program can help aging individuals and people with disabilities get the necessary services in long-term care facilities. While Louisiana decided not to expand Medicaid coverage in 2014, it will soon release a newer Consumer Experience Profile. The state’s Medicaid comes with programs for adult day services and a Community Choices Waiver program for home and community-based care.

A program called Louisiana’s Plan for Choice in Long-Term Care will implement reforms on care services administered to state citizens.

More Resources

To get more specific information regarding long-term care services and insurance options in Louisiana, please check the following websites: